The Peak of Alola

After a long (perhaps) three months, the end of the distinctively tropical Pokémon Go season featuring the characteristic region is at hand. At the beginning of the season, I noted that the season could be quite relevant to the game and little else, but I did mention two elements that may help to relate it outside of the game; those two elements are brightness and breeziness, as well as "greetings" by the virtue of the region name also acting as a word for such purpose. That may be considered to be what has happened over the course of this season.

In Pokémon Go specifically, Trainers said their greetings to a number of species from the region for the first time ever, including the four Island Guardians. Meanwhile, brightness and breeziness came for PvP fans with an "interlude" season to take things easy within the game (for the latter quality) and to watch the best of the best take on others on the world stage (for the former quality). While they'll continue to greet the species even long after the season ends, they'll only be able to greet the current winners here and now before the brightness and breeziness of the past three months fade away.

Of course, it's not just Pokémon Go that has Trainers on the world stage; all the Pokémon games are gearing up for the World Championships again after what seems to have been a long time, and there's a certain brightness and breeziness in that. New Trainers are making new strides in new ways that would have not occurred a few years ago, including the "greetings" of five-on-five (typically) of Pokémon Unite as it continues to make strides, even as a fledgling competitive entrant. Certain prior advancements - and even throwbacks - in the previous Season of Heritage also continue to make greetings.

Now, with the peak of the season having arrived, it would be time to say "Alola!" as a definitive farewell to the actual season itself. Still, what has happened, both in Pokémon Go and out, will always linger, and perhaps will lie in wait to allow Trainers to make further strides - even with the initiative to get going. That would make for a different kind of brightness and breeziness, and would certainly allow for greetings of different kinds, as Alola becomes a past memory and the future season - starting tomorrow - begins in all its glory.

One year ago: The Peak of Legends

Two years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Forest Cup

Three years ago: A New Pokémon "Wave"

Four years ago: Off We Go... to Alola!

Five years ago: I Need More Rumble World Players

The State of Nominations, Part 16

Once again, it's time to update on the progress of new PokéStop nominations that I've made. I've done this for a good and long time now, and there have been certain changes each time but also periods where things have stayed the same. Apart from that, my way of reporting on their state have relatively stayed the same, except where changes have become relevant, such as the integration with Wayfarer that occurred some time ago and covered two months ago. That also becomes a small point for another bit of change this time around.

That change concerns how I've been reporting my numbers and states. I've always used my own way of reporting them before the Wayfarer integration since I hadn't been using it at the time, but Wayfarer also provides its own states, for which I can now count the numbers there too. Currently, I have 18 nominations In Queue (made but not yet reviewed), 17 nominations In Voting (being in the review process), 66 nominations Accepted (obvious), 11 nominations marked as Duplicate (being a repeat of someone else's), and 60 nominations Not Accepted (also obvious). There are also other states, but none of them are pertinent as of yet to any of mine.

Meanwhile, according to my own numbers and states, I have 32 active nominations (up by 3 from last time) plus 3 renominations, 66 accepted nominations, 30 rejected nominations, and 14 superseded nominations - the rest being the same. There's a rough correspondence with the Wayfarer states, in that the active nominations reflect those that are In Queue or In Voting - my states differentiate neither of them - and the accepted nominations are certainly in line. However, there are certain considerations I make for the Duplicate and Not Accepted ones, which is why my superseded and rejected states are different from them in number and quality.

Since the change with Wayfarer integration, I can theoretically make use of its nomination upgrade feature to promote a nomination as explained, also two months ago. However, I still have not obtained one of those, nor mark a nomination to receive an upgrade when possible, due to not having reviewed enough. It would thus be desirable to make more reviews to earn an upgrade, yet it also should be kept in mind that the nomination to be selected for an upgrade should be one that is extremely desirable, for which I haven't decided and will likely change as my current nominations progress into voting. Much is still ahead and I'd need to get on it.

Progression will likely continue in the next couple of months as I explore and hopefully find hidden gems that have not been nominated, at which point I take the necessary pictures and make the nominations later on. At the same time, there's a certain progression that I may have to deal with in Wayfarer itself, which has the potential to make the progress smoother later on. Either of these is valid, just as much as my typical progressions in Pokémon Go, which ought to benefit from the nominations that I can make for myself and others.

One year ago: Quickies: Ice, Pokémon, and Chilling Out

Two years ago: Team Rocket, Minus Motto

Three years ago: Woodblock Art with a Pokémon Twist

Four years ago: Old Adventure, New Sensibilities

Five years ago: Ad Astra per Aspera... and the Third Games

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/29/2022

OK, it seems that the week ahead will be a "Go week", as in Pokémon Go. Much seems to be about to go on with it, not the least of which is today, as the last possible day I can make the event rollup for this month. Relatively speaking, this month could be considered to be a minor month for events, with not very many of them. But for the what few there are, they have their own significances, and that may be considered somewhat important.

Early in the month, from May 3 to 8, there was the Air Adventures event. This event had actually earlier been planned for last year, but due to circumstances caused by current conditions, it was cancelled and re-planned for this month. It's supposed to be a collaboration with a Pokémon travel service, which makes it evident why the original was cancelled. Now, the main feature for the new edition is starkly different on a Mega scale: that's because this was also the event when Latias and Latios debuts in and along with Mega Legendary Raids, bringing with them their "signature moves" of Mist Ball and Luster Purge, here as Charged moves. A few Flying-type and adventuresome Pokémon also accompanied them in the wild, raids (only Level 3 ones), 7 km Eggs, and Field Research task rewards; some of these were also featured in a Collection Challenge. Halved Egg hatch distance and a few new stickers also accompanied the event, allowing Trainers to soar as high as the Pokémon that were featured.

In the middle of the month, from May 12 to 20, another edition of the Water Festival returned to grace spirited Trainers. This time, it involved the debut of a Lapras wearing a scarf, the Dewpider species family, and Shiny Binacle; the edition also heralded the Poni Island chapter of this current Season of Alola, so Tapu Fini was naturally involved. To go along with the event, there was a Global Challenge that demanded Trainers to catch Water-type Pokémon, which was completed and rewarded a double capture Candy bonus; Timed Research with capture objectives provided an extra challenge with nifty bonuses. Meanwhile, all the featured Water-type Pokémon appeared as usual in the wild, raids, 7 km Eggs, and Field Research task rewards. Further complements to the event were extended Rainy Lure Modules as well as double Candy and increased Candy XL from hatching plus the scarf as a clothing item, really making this a festival as intended.

Capping off this month and the Season of Alola in general, from May 25 to the end of this month, the Alola to Alola event is in play. The highlight of this event is a Special Research set with the same title, focusing on the different islands of the region and different sets of skills, which is achieved through branching paths; it is obtained by completing the "Island Adventure" sets from throughout this season, or it can (also) be purchased for direct access and/or to obtain extra rewards. Other highlights of this event are a complex Collection Challenge, Cubone able to be evolved into Alolan Marowak with Shadow Bone, photo bombs with the starters, double Stardust in Gifts, and new clothing items. As the point of interest, many of the currently present species forms from Alola (plus Cubone) appears in the wild, raids, 7 km Eggs, and Field Research task rewards, which is as usual but still necessary for a proper sendoff to the region that becomes this season's focus.

Three events might not sound all that significant within one month, but looking at the contents of the individual events, there are lots of significances within each one, moreover with this being the last month of this season. It seems to be a fitting end to the current season, yet it also seems to be a fitting start to what I can already tell is going to be a "Go week". All that remains to do is to get up and get into just that.

One year ago: The State of Nominations, Part 10

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/29/2020

Three years ago: Lure Modules Evolve

Four years ago: The "Attractors"

Five years ago: A Hero Looks to the Sky

Chasing Competitive Dreams

I had a different approach for the topic I wanted to discuss today (competitive Pokémon play), but I've mulled quite a bit about that approach, and I've decided that it would not be quite appropriate. Therefore, I've decided to throw out that approach and go with a different one. Specifically, I want to discuss the dreams that I and others may have about competitive Pokémon progressions. There are many such dreams, yet they may all be dependent on different circumstances and conditions.

One of those conditions is surely the games that are played to achieve those dreams. Now that Pokémon Go is included, they can surely play it in order to achieve their dreams. Some of my fellow local Trainers are definitely rejoicing this fact and definitely willing to go through any and all hoops in order to realize their dreams. Meanwhile, for other games like the TCG, they're no strangers to sending local Trainers to the global competitive stage, so their dream is likely one of repetition instead.

Naturally, for any competition, the desire is to take the top, but not everyone can certainly be there. As such, another condition is visualizing how far and high they can go. One of my fellow Trainers has been indicated as rising to the top of a leaderboard temporarily before falling off to fourth - but that's OK, because that's where that fellow ended up in the end, and this is just the first stage. What happens next, in what happens to be the most crucial stage, ought to be very different indeed.

With the different ways that competitive Pokémon may be played today, some fellow Trainers could be wondering and dreaming about the transferability of their progress to another competitive domain. This is a difficult question to answer and is likely to depend on the adaptability of a Trainer (or that one specific Trainer) to another game; given the stark differences, it could prove to be difficult, and it might be wise to stick to one domain, or two if at all possible and workable.

Everyone has dreams, and competitive Pokémon players (Trainers) do so too. Yet as competitive Pokémon play is a varied lot, it makes sense that those dreams would all be different, in particular their paths of being realized. Thankfully, the commonality of these dreams and all dreams in general is the possibility of chasing their realization to the farthest extent possible, and that's pretty much the only thing that can be done on the way to competitive Pokémon greatness.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/28/2021

Two years ago: Pro Job, Fun Job

Three years ago: Memories of Sinnoh

Four years ago: Helix Fossil Understands

Five years ago: Takara Tomy Pokémon XY Pikachu Plush Doll

Living in the "City on the Trees"

One of the places that intrigues me the most in the Hoenn region is Fortree City. In its depiction, it is shown as a city where its inhabitants live in treehouses. These treehouses are connected to others, and they may also be connected to the ground to the places that aren't in the trees, as well as to allow people in the ground to get to places in the trees. It seems like a neat place to live for people and Pokémon alike, not to mention myself and by my own regard. Moreover, it's a place I associate with my experiences even outside of Pokémon.

The place that I currently live in has two stories, and I spend a lot of time on the upper story - it is my workplace, activity space, and "den", so to speak. Furthermore, it is close to the treeline of surrounding trees - and there's quite a few - making it feel like I'm living in or amongst the trees. Even so, this is not the first time I've lived in a high place or one with a space that is located higher up. I've lived in such places before, though they were not exactly close to trees or the treeline. Still, all of them evoke the way that Fortree City is, though especially more so now with my current place.

Speaking of places, there are some of them some distance away that are characteristic of their raised houses. There, the houses are not located in trees, but they are made of wood, which makes them "tree houses" in a sort of way. I've actually never been to these places, but I know some friends who are from them, and I consider them lucky to possess such structures; others, meanwhile, have had the chance to visit them. I may very well have to set aside some time (eventually) to be able to visit those places, even though they may not be on my pertinent agenda. Regardless, they could be considered the real versions of Fortree City, even if they're not quite close enough.

Cities in trees actually remind me of another imagined place in the Myst series, called Channelwood. The most characteristic feature of the place is a treehouse network, exactly like Fortree City. According to its lore, it was the place where a race of sentient beings and surviving humans lived together. Though perhaps not on the scale of a "city", the community still does mimic a city somewhat. One may have to wonder how the inspirations work out between the real world (Hoenn is based on Kyushu) and this imagined place that predates Fortree City by several years.

As it stands, though, I'm still partial to the wonder that is Fortree City. The people aspect, the place aspect, and the Pokémon aspect all combine to make a place that is still personally intriguing and memorable. Conceptually, it might not be as unique as real-world examples or other imagined places, but it's still one of the places that is defining of Hoenn, the region that it hails from. It might just be one of the places in the Pokémon world where I could stand to live and be one with the creatures.

One year ago: Electrify Your Power

Two years ago: Coffee in My Coffers?

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/27/2019

Four years ago: Long Raid's Journey Into Night

Five years ago: A Test of My Resolve: I Still...

The Advancement of TMs

Avid fans of the Pokémon games, specifically of the main series games, will know about Technical Machines or TMs as one of the two kinds of items needed to teach Pokémon certain moves. They've remained a mainstay of the games and have even "advanced" in a way, unlike Hidden Machines or HMs that at this point are essentially deprecated. Since I've discussed the latter in a post a couple of years ago, I figure I should do the same for the former in the same way, as a "historical overview" of sorts.

Evidently, teaching moves is what Technical Machines or TMs do. They're gotten from the field, from certain people, or even by purchase; unlike HMs, their sources are relatively less "obscure" and more evident. The moves that can be taught are also a lot more diverse and don't have the restrictions that HM moves. They are (relatively) free to be learned, used, and even forgotten in some cases, not being a hindrance to progression. Even so, TMs initially had the caveat that they cannot be used more than once, except if they could be regained in some form, most likely through purchase. This made them a lot less flexible and even precious in some cases, becoming a barrier to their use. But then they changed, "advancing" for the better.

Starting in the fifth generation onwards, TMs are no longer one-time in their usage, and can be used as many times as one wished, on par with the essentially deprecated HMs. This simple change removed the most important barrier to their usage - their situational "precious" quality as above - and made them more like portable Move Tutors; once the items are gained, they belong to a Trainer for good. In the generation prior, they even had already expanded from 50 to 100, allowing more moves than ever before to be taught. Both of these are important advancements, though it is certainly the first that is the most important.

Making TMs advance was the most natural thing to do. As the Pokémon games expanded, so did the list of available moves, and it would be great if many of them could be learned directly. Furthermore, greater flexibility was necessary; a unique and necessary move shouldn't be stuck with one Pokémon or else require great efforts (that is, breeding) to be transferred to another Pokémon. In those respects, the advancements as above are very much justified by the state of affairs.

Thus, in a way, unlike HMs that started out promising but became problematic over time, TMs started out mediocre and became great means for Pokémon to learn great moves. It's clear now that the deprecation of the former was at hand and the advancement of the latter was inevitable and necessary. But that also means great things for the Pokémon Trainer of today, in being provided the means to teach moves and attain great success with them, just like how those means have advanced to the current state.

One year ago: Road of 25th Anniversary: On with the Show

Two years ago: Friendship and Community

Three years ago: Gatherings for Blessings and Success

Four years ago: Reconsidering Trade Evolutions

Five years ago: What's Appenin' (Mobile Games)

Pokémon in 1995?

Traditionally, the Pokémon anniversary is celebrated on February 27, recounting the release of the first games in Japan in 1996. However, most copyright notices (disclaimers) for the games actually state a year of 1995, which is a year earlier than the above; I've regardless followed suit and stated the disclaimer as such in many of my creations involving Pokémon. Yet one might still wonder why the state of affairs is as such, and so I've decided to take a post to discuss why that state of affairs is so.

It turns out that with a little research, the answer is rather simple. The very first games, then Red and Green in Japan, were actually completed in late 1995 before their official release on the aforementioned date that is now the vernacular "Pokémon Day" for its anniversary as above. Therefore, it is their year of actual completion that is taken as the "epoch" for copyright (disclaimer) purposes, while everyone continues to celebrate Pokémon Day at the epoch of the first release to a grateful world.

Still, the selection of 1995 as the copyright epoch makes sense in some ways. One such way is that it affirms that work and efforts have been put into the games even in the year prior to their official release. It would be rather implausible to think that the very first and phenomenal games were only developed in the span of the first couple of months in the year of its release. Something had to have happened in the prior year, and at least that something is known, which is its completion as above.

No matter the year of relevance (and reference) for copyrights, celebrations, or otherwise, dedicated fans are likely to be just happy playing the games as they are back then and then the full breadth of the Pokémon games today. It may still be of interest to know at least why the difference is apparent without it being too much of a cause for concern. As far as fans (and myself) are concerned, the hope is that the output of Pokémon today remains as phenomenal as in yesteryears.

One year ago: Pokémon SM KFC Toys: The Rest, Part 2

Two years ago: Safe, Pleasant, and Beneficial for All

Three years ago: Best of the Rest: T-Shirt Contest

Four years ago: Read, Play, and Enjoy

Five years ago: A Camera and a Pikachu Doll

Sensitive Parts of Pokémon

It is the case that a player Trainer is able to interact with their Pokémon and touch and care for them directly in some games, as I've discussed in an overview post some two years ago. It is also the case that they also will react negatively if the "wrong" parts are involved in the process, also as I've discussed in that very same post. These parts may be taken to constitute their "sensitive" parts, and they deserve some exploration just like the interaction process itself, even beyond the games.

Those sensitive parts might just be the same as real-life organisms, which have sensitive parts themselves. One of those parts is likely the tail, in line with other organisms that have tails. It is known that these parts are sensitive even for these other organisms - a notable example being cats, whose tails are expressive and indicative of their states and moods. As some Pokémon (Eevee, for example) are in fact or do resemble cats, it wouldn't be too far off to say that they are sensitive as well, and the case is as such, in fact. Sensitive ears are also a hallmark of such organisms, and it's not hard to consider that some Pokémon (say, Pikachu) might avoid interaction with their ears for that very reason. Pokémon is realistic after all, in the eyes of the beholder.

The body parts of Pokémon that are concerned with the expression of their elemental (type) characteristics are more or less sensitive as well. Going back to Pikachu, its cheeks are the telltale terminals for discharging its electricity; mess with them too much and the results are likely to be shocking, as has been indicated a number of times in the anime in particular - in that regard, they are sensitive. A number of Fire-type Pokémon - as the Charmander species family - also possess actual flames in some form, and these are obviously as sensitive as their real and unattached counterparts, able to char and burn in the same ways if not serving as a "life force" of sorts. Either way and along with the above, the sensitivity is quite evident.

Then, there are just some Pokémon that have totally esoteric and equally sensitive body parts.  Cubchoo is one in this regard; it has a characteristically hanging snot that might seem like a turnoff, but it's important for it, as it is a marker for its health as well as the power of its moves - according to lore, it becomes stickier. Shedinja, meanwhile, has the hole on its back as its "claim to fame", as it has been purported that one should never look inside it, lest one is likely to succumb to whatever dark realm is within that hole. In both of these cases, the sensitivity comes as a result of their "life force" that emanates from such unusual body parts. They're just so crucial for them to indicate or maintain their survivability among more usual peers.

In any case, the handling of Pokémon is still important in order to get closer to them and allow trust to foster. Even so, Trainers would still have to be careful with the body parts of certain species, as those parts may be known for their sensitivity and interacting with them in the wrong way will most likely bring about unintended consequences. Then again, that applies for any extant organism, even the real ones from which Pokémon are based off of, confirming the sensitivity all around.

One year ago: Pokémon SM KFC Toys: The Rest, Part 1

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/24/2020

Three years ago: T-Shirts in Distress

Four years ago: Trading Items?

Five years ago: Retro Rendezvous

Pokémon Go Community Day Goodies

The Community Day edition for this month seems extra special, and one doesn't have to wonder why, looking at the picture in that post. A good number of people came to meet up and have fun together, and it was supported in the background by Niantic themselves. As part of that, the earliest attendees - one of which was me - got to receive a number of goodies or merchandise to commemorate the occasion. While the occasion is still fresh in my mind, I'd also like to take a post to write about those goodies that I've received.

The biggest one of these goodies is the poster in the back. It has the featured Pokémon for this month, Alolan Geodude, in the stylistic manner of official Community Day graphics along with the appropriate disclaimers on the bottom. It's a bit large, with a size of 24 cm by 42 cm; most attendees carried a small bag or even nothing else, so they had to roll or fold it if possible (which is a little too precious) else hold on to it the entire time to keep it while going through the event - which I did, almost losing it. There was also notably an overstock of posters, so along with the other goodies that each attendee received one of, they received two posters; of course, they could elect to give one of the posters to a later attendee, just like how one could gift the paid Special Research, though one may or may not be able to find someone to give one to. It's still a good and unique poster, one that encapsulates much of the spirit of the event.

Going down in size, the next one of these goodies is the postcard on the lower left. Actually, it's not so much a postcard as it is a promotional card, as on the opposite side is a special one-time offer code for one person along with instructions and notes for redeeming the code for the game. I've already redeemed my code within moments of receiving it two days ago, and it contained a few useful items for Community Day, whether it's this one or the next, but in good form, I still withhold showing the code. Of course, once the code is used, one could conceivably use it as a postcard and get another use out of it, though I still prefer showing it off the way it is.

On the lower right is the smallest and the last item I have. It is supposed to be a hook that one can attach to one's phone (or more likely its casing); to be more precise, one adheres it by removing the cover on the adhesive back and placing it where it is to be placed. I don't place it on my phone, because my casing doesn't allow it to be placed comfortably, and I prefer to keep my phone neat anyway; if I were to attach it, it would have to wait for another phone or casing, or both. For now, it also remains as a commemorative display item.

The support and blessings from Niantic that have been given to the local Community Day meetup in my area has been quite fruitful. It has drawn Trainers out of their woodworks after what seems like a long time, and the goodies that were distributed for the most recent edition of this month could be described as an extra incentive... possibly for extra gatherings in the editions of the months to come. Although minimalistic, they do have ways in spurring maximal effort to make this occasion as great as it can be.

One year ago: The Laissez-Faire Approach to Pokémon

Two years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 4

Three years ago: A Friend and Fellow Pokétaku

Four years ago: Favorite LINE Pokémon Stickers, Again

Five years ago: Becoming a Connoisseur

Let's Talk About Meaningful Things

Me: OK, so we've done a "Let's Talk" on this day over the past couple of years, and that's not likely to change.

Ash: Yeah! I know what you're talking about. It's...

Me: Wait, hold on a sec. Let's discuss about it with Goh. Besides the topic over time, he's become a significant change since the past few editions.

Goh: I'm honored to be a part of this since you invited me. I'm sure it means a lot for you.

Me: It does, and that's actually the topic for this one - it's about the things that mean a lot to us in different ways. So, the primary topic of this day is...

Ash: ...my birthday! At least we're sure of it anyway.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu! ["A great day!"]

Goh: Oh! Well, everyone has to have a birthday. And why not.

Me: That's just one of the things that we find meaningful. And there are certainly others. I mean, both of you have that one spectacular Pokémon for your journeys, right?

Pikachu: Pika pika, pika chu? ["Am I that too?"]

Me: You are certainly, but I'm talking more about the ones even people rarely see.

Ash: I know what you're talking about. It's about that Ho-Oh I saw in the sky when I started my journey.

Goh: And about that Mew I saw once when I was younger.

Me: That's it - those are the ones I'm thinking of. They have to be meaningful as some sort of sign, right?

Goh: You have to be right. Those Pokémon don't appear just every day.

Ash: I'm sure its spirit has been with me since that day.

Goh: In the same way, I think the same of Mew, even if it may be a long time before I get to see it and catch it.

Ash: Even getting to battle Ho-Oh would be amazing.

Goh: That would be really spectacular to see!

Me: See, that shows how meaningful the two Pokémon can be. OK, so by now both of you are undeniably friends...

Ash, Goh: That's true!

Me: ...but I'm sure you have "friends in high places" that you also find meaningful.

Goh: I have one of those, when we met in Johto. We met, left, and then met again. And through that, we really did find how valuable our lives are.

Ash: I can understand. I also have a friend, a photographer, and he'll sometimes go out of his way for the craziest Pokémon pictures. He even took a photo of an Articuno once.

Goh: An Articuno! That's incredible! What I wouldn't give to see that picture - maybe to see Articuno itself for real and to try capturing it.

Ash: You never know. We might see him someday again. Someday.

Pikachu: Pi pika chuu... ["Maybe someday..."]

Me: So, one friend holds the key to realization, and another possesses quite the dedication. I'd say those are pretty meaningful things.

Goh: Stuff like this you don't realize until you meet others and connect, like in the beginning when we hopped on Lugia.

Ash: I can't say that's not true. After that, we just fit in, a bit like after our first adventure - right, Pikachu?

Pikachu: Pi, pika pika! ["That's so right!"]

Me: And we've barely scratched the surface of what could be meaningful for us, Pokémon, and the course of time. For now, though, we have today's special day; even if the meaning's "just there", it's still meaningful.

Ash: Thanks, and I can't say that enough. We'll just have to enjoy it no matter what!

Goh: I like that, and I agree!

Me: Enjoy, and I'll cook up a few more meaningful things for here later on.

One year ago: Let's Talk About Filling in Things

Two years ago: Let's Talk About Some Moments

Three years ago: After All These Years

Four years ago: GiRL (Gyms in Real Life)

Five years ago: To Japan and Beyond

Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/21/2022

It's another late edition of Community Day this month, but as they say, it's better to be late than never. And that might also apply to a few other aspects for this edition, particularly a few regarding how that is organized in my local area. For years, I've had casual meetups in different places with different people for different editions of the event, and that's pretty much how Community Day itself began and what it still is today, as a driver of casual meetups where Trainers can socialize in addition to doing things in Pokémon Go. Over time, though, that has "evolved", not only in its event aspects but meetup aspects as well, and that's something that has to be particularly notable, even for this edition.

But first, there are always the usual aspects or "bones". This month, the featured Pokémon is Alolan Geodude - and only that and its species family, making it the first realization of a "regional form" Community Day; Kanto Geodude may still have the possibility of appearing later on. When evolved fully to Alolan Golem, it gets the Fast Move of Rollout, which is always an interesting move no matter the game. The main bonus for this edition is tripled Stardust for captures, but there are also double Candy and Candy XL bonuses in effect as additional bonuses. All of these are still nice to have, for this and any other Pokémon that may just become featured in Community Day later on.

As usual, Lure Modules and Incense are extended for three hours, which should cover the duration of the event, now back to three hours and for this one being from 11 AM to 2 PM. Then there are the photo bombs, commemorative stickers, item packs in the Shop, and the extra paid Special Research, this time titled "A Rocky Road" and exploring the characteristics of the regional species family. New to this edition is the ability to purchase the extra paid Special Research as a gift to Great Friends and up who haven't gotten it. That is notable for increasing camaraderie, as the friends who receive this as a gift are likely to be inclined to participate and join in the fun, perhaps with the closest community possible.

From the previous edition, the trade discount and extra Special Trade bonuses are retained; this is beneficial in the current case, as Alolan Graveler as the next stage of evolution can evolve with no Candies to Alolan Golem if it had been previously traded (including possibly Lucky ones), and thus the bonuses facilitate just that. The same is true for the "Group Play Bonus", this time pertaining to Stardust instead - catch enough Pokémon at a Lure Module and the triple becomes quadruple. Research tasks also mostly defaulted to "catch 3" and Candy rewards were absent (in a way, "normalized"). But the most important thing that is (or was) retained was the local meetups and the support for them from Niantic.

Thanks to the success of the previous edition's meetups, many of them were repeated, and that applied to the one in my local area as well. This time, my local organizer received the proper supporting goodies from Niantic, which was distributed for a good number of attendees that came first. I was one of them, luckily, and I received those goodies, which I will detail in a separate post. Along with the personal goodies, a community goodie in the form of an official banner was introduced, and that became the defining element in the group photo taken moments after Community Day started and after a number of attendees had claimed their merchandise, including myself (I'm on the right of it):

This reminds me of my very first EX Raid.

One footnote is that the meetup was supposed to be held in the same place as the previous edition, but as the place became restricted in access, it was changed to a park, which happens to be the one closest to where I live and where I've had past Community Days. In that way, I was blessed in having the gathering closer to home this time around. Meanwhile today, after the three hours of catching plus the two-hour extended evolution window, I evolved the best regular one, best Shiny one, a Lucky one, and ones for possible usage in Great League and Ultra League. The Alolan Golem I received from the paid Special Research wasn't too shabby either, and that capped off a mostly good turnout for everyone.

Evidently, from all the elements mentioned above, Community Day in Pokémon Go has really expanded and therefore "evolved" its event aspects over time, and its meetup aspects have followed suit, to the point that now a local meetup in my area can now be fully supported by Niantic and be part of the grander scale of meetups around the world. The casualness is still there, but it is now supported by common goals and grand goals that are held together by the fabric of local groups wherever they might be, as with mine above. In that sense, the goal of Community Day has been continuously achieved with reinforcing feedback over successive editions, including this rocky and electric one.

One year ago: Anime with Mixed Language Content?

Two years ago: More Virulent Impacts

Three years ago: Respect for Rica Matsumoto

Four years ago: Throwing Poké Balls

Five years ago: Cosplay: East and West

BJ Podcast: The Varied Nature of Japanese Fans

Here's something long overdue: nearly three years ago, I became involved as a guest in a podcast by and with a few of my friends. I intended to make an overview of it at some point in time... but then time got away from me just like the circumstances that warranted its recording, and I hadn't gotten to make it since. Now, with a good time at hand, I can finally make that overview of the episode I was featured in. I have to say, however, that the title of this podcast and this episode is partially unsavory in at least one language, but overall, the podcast itself can be summarized as "Talking About Japanese Fandoms" with the episode title as present in the title of this post.

For this episode, the intent is to discuss the ways of different Japanese fans and how we reflect on that, being that we encounter them all the time in (in-person) events and on social media, a primary interest for all of us. This episode actually begins (and later, ends) with "Mezase Pokémon Master" playing, since it's obvious I'm in it and I'm linked to Pokémon. The other featured person, the YouTuber I mentioned, goes by the name Candra Salay, whose channel can be seen here. Since all of us had also recently gone to a previous out-of-town event, we also put our thoughts on that event before heading into the main topic.

The "Japanese fans" who we refer to go by two terms, one of which I am not too fond of and don't feel that it applies to me, and the other term being "otaku", which I've explained separately in a related term that is further linked to Pokémon, which I even mentioned as we talked. We all discussed the characteristics that we perceive to be applicable to both terms, including our experiences - specific ones with different things - and how we started to appreciate this side of our lives. For me personally, I brought up how it relates to me and Pokémon, citing specific examples like the games that I've played.

Support is also a big thing for us, and we also mentioned how we received that from all around. Meanwhile, Japanese fans tend to have a specific regard or perception about them, and we just had to deal with this issue based on what we've experienced, including making a call to certain fans with a specific trait, which unfortunately some Pokémon fans have. Because this might become a tendency for many fans in general, especially on social media, we had to address our respective treatments of social media and how users on any such platform should ideally behave; I cited my blog for this specific purpose.

As the podcast episode neared its end, we discussed our social media tendencies, in particular as three "social media warriors", as well as the influence of Japanese culture on what we do. On the latter, again for me personally, I felt that Pokémon has as much to do with Japanese culture as an influence, which I just had to say. Our influences, in fact, also go back (or even transfer over) to what we do on social media, so it may be construed that we got good things going with what we like, especially in communicating with other people; I ended by remarking on how Pokémon got me to explore things, which should apply even in a broader sense. 

It's actually funny that ever since this episode, I've been in a different podcast of my own (in part) and I've started that long-awaited YouTube channel. Still, neither has strayed far from my Pokémon interests, just like how this blog also has maintained its course on Pokémon. By its Japanese origins, it in a way becomes an affirmation that I am a Japanese fan in some ways, who by the podcast episode are established to be varied in nature. That's important in many ways, and is something that deserves to be promoted on social media in whatever form.

One year ago: Reminiscing Pokémon Karaokemon... and More

Two years ago: More "Countermeasures" for Pokémon Go

Three years ago: Performance Critique: Bunkasai 2019 J-Song

Four years ago: Shiny Obsessions... Again?

Five years ago: Oddest Things with Pokémon

Bits and Pieces of Pokémon Merchandise

Being that I enjoy Pokémon merchandise in any form (now further, also for the purposes of this blog), I personally have no problem in obtaining them wherever they may be obtained and even in a piecemeal manner, as in bits and pieces from odd places. I've recently obtained a couple of items of Pokémon merchandise in such a manner, and what's more, they're official merchandise, which should make any fan happy, nonetheless myself. They are certainly the subject of this post.

The first one that I would like to discuss is the little things in the foreground of the photo above. They are Pokémon stickers - specifically, they are Charmander stickers - and they are part of the local Pokémon merchandise campaign that is fortunately still going on, which is good for all local Pokémon fans. These stickers actually command a good price, even though by looking at the back, their materials don't seem all that expensive. What may factor into their price is the printing and cutting that appears to be very precise, as well as its packaging and presentation as official merchandise, which has to be understandable. I've yet to determine places where I might stick them, but it is certain that if and when I do that, I will save at least one to maintain posterity. They should make for great stickers regardless of plans.

And then, there is the bigger item in the background. That is evidently the hand fan that may come with certain pre-orders of the Pokémon Legends: Arceus game... only I don't have the game (at least not yet), and so that means this must have come from somewhere else. And it does, though I can't really divulge the details of where that might be; it is perhaps better to think of it as a "gift". Origins aside, this hand fan appears to be crafted just like other hand fans unrelated to Pokémon, and it appears to be quite delicate as a result. As a collectible, I wouldn't want to fold and unfold it too often, let alone use it; I'd want to store it in either the folded or unfolded state and then just have it be for display, since it still looks good for that. This is still a neat bonus for anyone who might have pre-ordered the game as above. 

With all the kinds of Pokémon merchandise out there these days, fans really have to be grateful about what they can get and have gotten, even if they may be from different places and as bits and pieces. And if they happen to be official merchandise as with the ones I had gotten above, that would perhaps be the "icing on the cake" and a source of pride for the collection that a fan builds up. At least I can say that I've somewhat enjoyed obtaining the ones above and possessing them for different purposes. 

One year ago: The Hum of (Pokémon) Life

Two years ago: Better for the World

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/19/2019

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/19/2018

Five years ago: On the Mystery of Dungeons

New Factions Battlefields and More

As the new season of Factions begins with a new structure, so too its ways of battling also has to be renewed, though this is a given even during the entire run of a Factions season. Its standards have not changed: it still demands the three traditional leagues for three team members and rotating Great League Battlefields for four members, but a few requirements have been changed for the former and new ones are being instituted for the latter. The Silph Arena had monitored progression over the course of the previous season (including with feedback polls) and have made the changes accordingly.

For the three traditional leagues, they're still for the most part "open", with no bans of any kind. However, now they have included "restriction lists" that contain a number of species from which only a few may be selected for a team, along with anything else that a Trainer may bring to battle. The Great League list contains 22 species from which 3 may be picked, while Ultra League and Master League contain 16 and 13 species respectively from which 2 may be picked. One may of course elect not to have any species from these lists, but if any are included, then the restrictions apply and must be followed.

There are also two new Battlefields now currently in play, two members being assigned to each. The first one of these is called Alchemy. This Battlefield allows species of Fire, Flying, Ground, Ghost, Psychic, and Steel types but bans Water and Dark types plus 11 specific species, among others Altaria and Registeel. The main concern here was the creation of a specifically neutral Battlefield that can be used to explore Ground and Fire types, with the other types being relative buffers for teams, and the banned types and species to eliminate hard counters for some of the included types.

Next comes the Battlefield called Colony. The allowed types are Water, Electric, Bug, Ground, Psychic, and Ice, while the bans are Fairy, Fighting, and Flying types plus 16 specific species (including Abomasnow and Escavalier) and Shadow Pokémon. True to its name, the intent is to exhibit Bug-type species without them being hindered by commonly strong Pokémon types, their counters, or even standard fallbacks (Escavalier being one of them). Ultimately, the Battlefield is also all about trying to bring up understated species and allow them to have the spotlight that usually shines on other Pokémon.

By now, it's still rather early on this new season of Factions (and in fact, the current Cycle). Yet the combat that will occur very soon has been determined to a good extent with the new Battlefields and battle restrictions, also established early before the season started. All the experiences of the previous season of Factions and battling in Silph Arena in general have been encapsulated in those Battlefields and battle restrictions, this time for team combat that requires the understanding and coordination of those who are involved in the teams, and continues to be made anew even today. 

One year ago: One-Day Pokémon Adventure

Two years ago: Trivia Questions and Answers

Three years ago: Trainer Image Cards

Four years ago: Marathons...?

Five years ago: Pins and Pins

The New Structure of Factions

Earlier in January, when I noted that there was seemingly (dis)engagement in the goings-on of the Silph Arena, I also noted that its Factions arm for team competition was going to change majorly in its structure, and it has done just that. Its new regular season has just kicked off today, with all the teams having registered by yesterday - as the deadline for that - and beginning combat this week. With it, the changes have also been implemented, and all the teams are to face each other as well as all these changes.

The top tiers are still there, but they've been expanded list-wise and content-wise. List-wise, there is a new highest tier, Emerald, and there are two new lowest ones, Copper and Iron. Content-wise, the tiers now have 10 teams ("Factions") that play each other once round-robin style in the 9 weekly Bouts of a Cycle. Gone are relegation "playoffs", which were more disengaging for others more than they were engaging for the teams of concern. Instead, for the Iron through Silver tiers, its leader at the end of a Cycle gets promoted two tiers while the next two runner-ups are promoted one tier; likewise, for Platinum through Bronze, its bottom-ranked team gets relegated by two tiers and the two teams above get relegated by one tier. Platinum also relegates the seventh-place team and Iron promotes the fourth-place team to maintain parity, while Iron also relegates its bottom four.

Also gone is the Qualifying tier in the bottom section; thus, the only remaining bottom tier of Open now contains all other teams in a regional division that don't fit in the top tiers (or else are insufficient to create another top tier without leaving the Open tier with less than 10 teams), restarting teams (which count as a new progression), and new teams that register mid-way through a given Cycle. It still plays by the Swiss-system format along with the 9 weekly Bouts - thus the requirement for no less than 10 teams - and in exchange for the four bottom teams of Iron, it sends its top four teams there at the end of a Cycle. By calculation, now the top Factions tiers can support more than 80 teams in a single regional division, with those 80 teams in the top tiers and everything else in the Open tier. It is still clear that the tournament is designed to be as huge as possible.

Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific situation is still meager. At the start of this season, the regional division only has three of the topmost top tiers (Emerald, Diamond, and Platinum) followed by an Open tier of 13 teams. That works out to 43 teams, an increase of only 5 teams; under the previous tier system, it would have been four top tiers and a Qualifying of 13 teams, still not enough to fill every tier. It is also clear that the regional division still pales in comparison to the other three, with them having at least double that number of teams. Alas, there seems to be not much that can be done except for more Trainers in Asia Pacific to be more open to the Factions concept and be able to fill up more or even all of the tiers. All the other regional divisions already seem to have things quite established and even more so with this new and expanded structure for the team competitions.

Overall, for the most part, what didn't change for the Factions structure was organization; what did change was the scale of it all, befitting the situation for most of the world save Asia Pacific. In theory, this should lead to a lot more engagements across many more teams; now, they'll have time over the next 36 weeks (the 4 Cycles of this next season) to put that into practice. At least, the matter of engagement may now be less of a concern, and the teams only have the objectives of representing themselves and winning.

One year ago: Quickies: Bike for Pokémon

Two years ago: Everything Is Electric

Three years ago: A Wonderful PikaWorld

Four years ago: Beyond Gyms and Trials

Five years ago: A Pokémon Pencil Bag

How Far Should Pokémon Be Translated?

Being that I am a translator, matters related to the field are also of my concern, just like how matters related to Pokémon are also of my concern as a Pokémon fan. And sometimes, the two matters cross over. One such matter has prompted me to discuss how far translation can be taken with Pokémon - that is, how much of Pokémon can be translated to something more idiosyncratic (such as Indonesian), while leaving the rest in, say, the lingua franca of English. It's a matter that could be somewhat complex, particularly if an example is given.

Today I had the chance of viewing and discussing the Indonesian-language translated interface of Pokémon Unite with a friend - two, in fact. While many parts of it make sense, mostly the parts that are general and not directly pertaining to the Pokémon, other parts tended to sound funny (for example, the role of "Speedster" became translated as "Pelari Cepat" [backtranslation: "fast runner"]) even if they made sense. In contrast, even with the term still kept in the English lingua franca, we could stand to discuss the aspect even with Indonesian being thrown around, and it didn't sound funny.

A pertinent aspect of this matter is adaptability and thus adaptation, which is somewhat distanced from but still pertains to translation. Using the example above, it may seem that the term needs to be adapted further, rather than being left with the expression above, even if it is somewhat literal and slightly communicative. With the term having to be necessarily translated, an expression need to be conceived that doesn't sound funny but can still work within the confines of the language, if necessary borrowing on possible influences. And of course, the new expression ought to be acceptable by those who play.

Still, there are some viable guidelines. For example, since most Indonesian players are familiar with the globally recognized English species names for Pokémon, they shouldn't be altered. The same would also go for any proper nouns that remain deeply very specific to Pokémon. Literal translation may be fine in some cases but not others, and this should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis; the parts that are especially technical may have no choice but to be translated as such but still in a manner that makes sense. Again, that sensibility is dependent on those who play in and out.

Having experienced it myself even for non-Pokémon situations, translation can be a touchy subject to deal with. But being that I'm qualified myself, I do have to address and deal with the issue, which could be especially touchy for Pokémon. Yet, translation is all about making things work - read: sound right - in different languages, and I have no doubt that it can be done even for something deeply specialized like Pokémon (Unite, in the case above). All of them remain my concerns for what I like and can do.

One year ago: Command and Conquer, PvP Style

Two years ago: A Multicultural Cast

Three years ago: Carry On Carryin' On

Four years ago: The Living Dex

Five years ago: Pastrana and Pikachu

Steering and Nearing with Tsunekazu Ishihara

Of the biggest names (that is, people) who have ever graced Pokémon, the name that I've mentioned in the title of this post is certainly one of the biggest ones and continues to be relevant today. Many current fans will know him as the first and foremost face in editions of Pokémon Presents, but he's so much more than that. Tsunekazu Ishihara, the president of The Pokémon Company, besides being top in that regard, also has much to do with the Pokémon games and beyond, effectively being someone who "steers" and "nears".

That "steering" and "nearing" for Ishihara occurs similarly to (and incidentally alongside with) his colleague Satoru Iwata, as a developer for different games. The journey began with Ape Inc. and a number of games that are themselves legendary just as much as they are legends for Nintendo. Creatures Inc. became the next "destination" in the journey for Ishihara, as a development company that he founded, with Iwata providing some help; it is evidently also a "port", as Ishihara still holds key positions there today and the company is one of the three involved in the joint venture that is The Pokémon Company.

With Creatures, Ishihara "neared" Game Freak and supported them with development funds for the very first Pokémon games; at this early stage, Ishihara also "steered" Pokémon towards licensing for different media, including the TCG, to help their sequels toward success. The "steering" and "nearing" by Ishihara proved to be directed and fruitful: Ishihara intended to "steer" in a different direction afterwards but ended up "nearing" Game Freak and Nintendo for said joint venture, now tasked with the helm of licensing and brand management for Pokémon that still continues today.

An important way that Ishihara "steered" Pokémon is the conception of Pokémon Go along with Niantic. Ishihara himself is a player of Ingress, and the 2014 April Fool's Pokémon Google Maps prank provided the breakthrough mechanism; with support and blessings, also from Iwata, Pokémon Go came to be popular (and still is today, now even with a championship series of its own). It's just another way that Pokémon Go is established as a full-fledged game for the franchise. Pokémon Sleep also constitutes a way of "nearing" good health, as announced by Ishihara himself.

"Steering" and "nearing" are some of the things that good leaders can do, and Tsunekazu Ishihara has proven that over the years, even up to today. Not only that, he even effectively provided the "ship" by which Pokémon can be "steered" and "neared" according to the flows of time and its devoted fans and players. Ishihara really is at the "wheel" of this "ship" that has allowed players to "sail away" to Pokémon adventures, who have made the "ship" as big as the big name at its helm.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/15/2021

Two years ago: Coming Full Circle

Three years ago: Everything Old Is New Again

Four years ago: 15 Minutes of Fame

Five years ago: Fallen Comrades

Starter Pokémon in the Wild

Fans, Trainers, and/or whoever knows Pokémon very well and for a long time will recognize that those who start a journey in this world are traditionally given a choice of a starter Pokémon from a triad of species (barring special circumstances and conditions). Those who are accustomed to this might become inclined to think that the Pokémon in question don't really appear in the wild. Yet, it has to be understood that like any other Pokémon, they too have to appear and be able to exist in the wild, at least if not for a few reasons.

While it's possible or likely that the Pokémon that would eventually be given to Trainers come from breeding stock (if not directly caught from the wild), most likely by expert breeders of the caliber that Brock aspires to be, that breeding stock still has to come from somewhere, and that somewhere has to be the wild. It is from there that their stock is replenished and it is to there that the excess in the stock goes, if they don't already go there themselves. Nature gives to the breeders and they give back to nature in return.

Speaking of nature, the starter Pokémon would have to abide by the laws of nature (naturally) that govern their origins - I won't say which, because they're obvious in one form for some and manifest in another form for others. Whichever way that goes, the existence of the starter Pokémon in nature is warranted and necessary, and they are surely not created "from thin air" or in a laboratory like a would-be Mewtwo. Much regardless depends on and demands their existence in the wilderness of nature.

The starter Pokémon evidently do exist as something to be given and received, but they're just a part of nature as much as any other Pokémon. It's how they come to be and where they're ultimately taken from (and then go back to). If nothing else, it's a realization that should come sooner or later for those starting their journeys in the world of Pokémon. Within the confines of procedures, it might be something that's hard to see, at least until fans, Trainers, and others see the great world to which people and Pokémon belong.

One year ago: The Retro Cup of GBL

Two years ago: Going Elite with TMs

Three years ago: Detective Pikachu Burger King King Jr. Toys - Arcanine

Four years ago: Round Pikachu Keychain

Five years ago: Cosplay: Isshoni Tanoshimimashou 12

Useless Rewards in Pokémon Games

Ideally, when one gets rewards in games by doing things or spending in-game currency, the rewards are expected to be good - that is, useful - at least in some ways. However, it may be possible that some rewards in some games turn out to be utterly useless, being not worth it for the efforts. It seems that it's hard for Pokémon games to escape this observation, and there are or have been a number of rewards that are likely to fulfill this observation, whether now or in the past of the games.

Those who have played the main series games of the first generation might have recalled purchasing a certain Pokémon (Magikarp) close to the share of Mt. Moon. It is true that purchasing the Pokémon is the fast track to obtaining it, but at the same time, with the Pokémon being readily available in most places, it might not be worth it, even with a chance to obtain ones with good stats. Therefore, the opportunity to obtain it in this way might very be described as one that gives out a useless reward.

Meanwhile, presently, Pokémon Go is hosting an event that, like many events, often has complementary Field Research task rewards. Still, based on different considerations, one of these may be considered not worth the effort. Right now, there's a task that rewards Marill, but one has to evolve two Water-type Pokémon in order to obtain it. Given the paucity of water Pokémon that evolve without the usage of many resources nor much effort in obtaining those resources, this task could be considered useless in some ways; it may be better to wait for other opportunities or to skip it entirely if usable species have already been obtained.

Also presently and concurrently occurring in a different game, Pokémon Unite, is the "Pokébuki" collection event. One of the rewards of this event, however, involves the exchange of the collection currency (flower petals) for 300 Fashion Tickets. The problem with Fashion Tickets, however, is that for players long in the tooth, they are largely unusable, as they are likely to have obtained many of them by other means and used them to obtain all the items in the shop, leaving the rest unaccounted. It is true that it may always be possible to obtain more items, and for those who are just starting out this might be fine, but at the current pace of things, this exchange may have to be ignored due to its inutility.

Rewards in many cases are always good, but they're not necessarily useful, as any of the above in different Pokémon games may indicate. This is especially the case if they can be gotten easily with time or just somewhere else in general. Though utility could depend on the eye of the beholder, it should also be plain to see how its absence is manifested, and that should make for wiser decisions and efforts to obtain rewards that are truly useful.

One year ago: The Road to Victory

Two years ago: Seeing Pokémon in Rice Fields

Three years ago: The Exclusive Detective Pikachu Promotional TCG Card

Four years ago: Cosplay: INOCHI 2018 - Yuki no Hana

Five years ago: Cosplay Photography

More Online Statuses for Pokémon Go?

Since around the time that remote raids were introduced in Pokémon Go, Trainers have been able to find out who among their friends are online or offline for a possible invitation to a remote raid. It's somewhat helpful and necessary, as the status can determine who is likely able to participate in one. However, there is the sense that the online status feature is somewhat rudimentary - perhaps even very much so - and that it can stand to be improved for this purpose. The way for that improvement would come from expanding the online status.

Before going any further, it helps to explain how the online status currently works, something that I've held back since explaining about how remote raids work. At present, a Trainer can be either online or offline. An online Trainer definitely has the game open, running, and active, though there is no further mention on what the Trainer is doing. An offline Trainer either truly has the game closed and inactive, or has set the status (on the Friend list) to "invisible", appearing offline even though the game is running. Either may be invited to remote raids, though whether they can participate depends on how quickly they can react to an invitation (and open the game if it's not running). Yet the most important seems to be not the ones who are offline, but the ones who are online.

In my experience, I've been able to miss remote raid invitations (that I don't expect ahead of time) for various reasons, other than not looking at my phone or certain parts of the game while I'm online, or being offline in the first place and not being able to open the game quickly enough to react to an invitation. I may have been in the midst of a battle in the Go Battle League and only had the forethought to exit just before the invitation expires, or I might just have completed a different raid (in entirety) and cannot respond quickly enough to the next invitation. Something that might be key in these situations is the nondescript nature of the "Online" status, with others not knowing what I am actually doing while I am in that state due to the present workings of the system as above.

Meanwhile, a different Pokémon game with online statuses for friends, Pokémon Unite, has the right mind in some ways. Its online statuses show Trainers who are available (online, not in a match), busy (in or on any part of a match in progress), or offline (not in the game or else invisible). Trainers with the first status can be invited to a match, while those with the second status can only be invited once they clear up, and those with the third are inert. This system of statuses is somewhat strict yet also necessary due to how matches work, but more importantly, it gives a model that Pokémon Go can possibly aspire to. Moreover, the implementation wouldn't have to forgo some of the current workings for the online status in Pokémon Go, but to adapt to them as necessary.

With that in mind, Pokémon Go could and should be able to indicate if an online Trainer happens to be in a battle of any kind (Gym, Trainer, or raid) and/or even capturing a Pokémon, and flag them as "busy" with a status indication. They could still be invited to a remote raid, with the caveat that they'll respond after the activity is complete. To enhance responsiveness outside of these situations, a pop-up bar (or even the notification of the remote raid invitation itself) could be made or forced to appear regardless of the screen that is currently present, and that way online Trainers could know about the invitations even if they're engaged in a non-battle situation and could then respond timely. Of course, the most important would be the status indication, which would be the primary determinant for an inviting Trainer.

The online status for friends in Pokémon Go remains important, specifically for the express purpose of remote raid invitations. Yet in its simple state, it may be as confusing as it is helpful for the initiation and execution of those raids. Therefore, the natural thing to do would be to expand the capabilities of the online status and make it more descriptive for that purpose. If that were to happen, it is likely that invitations for remote raids would be more efficiently directed for their best completion with friends who are truly available.

One year ago: Three Bears

Two years ago: Missed Pokémon Merchandise in Snacks

Three years ago: Watching in Style, with Friends

Four years ago: To Know the Unknown

Five years ago: You Are Blessed

Blogging on Blogs: Pokémon Blog

There's a neat blog on Pokémon that I discovered a couple of years ago but haven't bothered to discuss due to certain matters taking precedence. Now that I have a good amount of time, I can take that time and discuss the blog in question in a post here. Of the blogs or blog-like sites that I've discussed previously (these ones), this blog might be the simplest I've seen, and it's even titled, erm... Pokémon Blog. One can tell that the blog is most definitely about Pokémon.

Like this blog, it covers many aspects of Pokémon, for which some of its categories - as labels or tags on this blog - are in line with mine (Anime, TCG, and Video Games - though my Game category is [still] being phased out in favor of specific divisions). However, it does have a few divisions that I don't have; for example, the blog has separate Artwork and Fanart categories that I would lump together, special categorical mentions for Ash and Pikachu are included, and its electronic games are classified by platforms rather than specific realms like mine. There's even an Unscripted category, which at the time of this writing has only one post and seems to be an afterthought. In that regard, our respective blogs may still have some work to do.

Unlike this blog, it is less personal and more focused on objective happenings, like Pokémon Go event updates, live competition coverage, and the latest news on just about anything related to Pokémon. Yet it does have devoted categories on accompanying aspects, including art as above, but also including National Pokédex entry highlights (now fully updated to include all new species in Legends: Arceus), and video spotlights, including and beyond the anime. It is also updated frequently and even in short bursts, which is fine given its news-oriented approach, though it has to be said that some parts of posts may be taken from other places.

It is apparent that the blog also in a way acts as a partial news portal, which rather affirms my views regarding the thin, fine line between them as I've discovered in my coverage of the now-defunct JOI as above. To that end, the blog has on various occasions (one example) called for different authors to contribute, for which interested authors can contact the blog in order to be able to contribute. Even so, I've only been able to identify two such authors - the "Blogger" author, also identified as "Qurpok" by the link, and another for the Unscripted post as above - as "needles" in the "haystack" that is the thousands and thousands of posts on the blog. If I didn't already have this blog, then I might actually consider contributing as a free soul.

Other technical comparisons and contrasts are also evident. The blog makes use of WordPress in contrast to my usage of Blogger, but not self-hosted, in that makes use of WordPress.com; in a way, though, it does affirm the power of the respective services for this blog and the other. Still, the other blog has a custom domain, which I don't have but theoretically can, and it involves Patreon rather than Ko-fi/Paypal for donations and contributions by those who are willing to be generous. External social media presence is also quite evident, definitely being more than mine and something for me to consider to add, as are some of the other aspects above.

After all that, perhaps "simple" isn't the right word to describe the Pokémon Blog, at least in relation to content. But for the framework, some parts of it are such at the least, as well as its objective of being further at the forefront of Pokémon happenings. In that sense, it remains a neat blog, as neat as our efforts of posting in and managing our respective blogs. They also deserve places in our "corners of the Internet" in the addressing of Pokémon matters in written form. 

One year ago: Forgotten (Event) Days

Two years ago: (Preparing for) Shuffle's Last Stand

Three years ago: Special Feature Film - "POKÉMON: Detective Pikachu"

Four years ago: Just Like a Rainbow

Five years ago: A Shout-Out to a Fellow Blogger

The Rock-Paper-Scissors Principle

Gamer or not, many people will recognize the game of rock-paper-scissors, whether as a "guessing game" of sorts or more likely as a decision maker. Each of its three simple elements counters one and is countered by the other, leading to decisive outcomes provided that a draw between the same element is disregarded. Something else that works in much the same way is the gameplay of Pokémon, specifically with respect to the 18 types that are available. Extended over these 18 types and more, it becomes no longer a game, but a "principle".

The simplest realization of the principle, and one that is illustrated for many first-time players (Trainers), is for the three basic types of Grass, Fire, and Water - the exact same types as the main starter Pokémon in each generation. Grass beats Water, Fire beats Grass, and Water beats Fire, while the same type facing itself is a virtual draw. That is more or less the essence of rock-paper-scissors, only under the different guise of elemental types. And since there are 15 other types, the same network of relationships manifests itself in different ways with different types and different complexities; for rock-paper-scissors and specific types, it is manifested as a "triangle" with three elements, but it is possible to have a "quadrangle" or other more complex networks. All of them continue to abide by the same principle that makes the dynamics happen.

By the above, the principle is most evident where Pokémon types are of concern, which would be for many Pokémon games. However, it may be possible to detect partial manifestations of the principle in other games; a friend of mine cites Pokémon Unite as an example. While the game itself doesn't feature types, the selection of Pokémon by both teams may lead to triangular, quadrangular, or even further complex networks of relationships occurring among certain Pokémon. Due to the extremely dynamic nature of the game, one will have to detect if such relationships have the potential of occurring, and then either engage in them if necessary or avoid them (at all costs) if possible.

In fact, for Silph Arena as the community competition for Pokémon Go, the aim of more recent themed cups has always included a sense of trying to "break" the principle by preventing its realization or manifestation, or at least to minimize that. In previous themed cups, the principle has often been manifested through Pokémon that are of certain types and/or know certain moves, invariably leading to the same "triangles" occurring, often being under unsuspected conditions. The principle remains important in play, but the expressed hope is not to fall back on it, but to allow pure power to come through.

As a game, the game of rock-paper-scissors dictates that certain things are superior, inferior, or on par to others. As a principle, the elements of said game illustrate relationships of strengths, weaknesses, or equivalences, and not just limited to three as in the game. Pokémon can be said to embody that principle through and through in its types as well as other elements, which in the right circumstances may very well be the key to appropriate decisions.

One year ago: Transparent Language Presentation?

Two years ago: More YouTube Pokémon Highlights

Three years ago: Trading Styles

Four years ago: The No's of Go

Five years ago: Site Design

Journeys Gap Ad... in T-Shirt Form

Since I've created it last year, I've taken a great liking of the design for the Journeys Gap Ad wallpaper. It's a perfect blend of Pokémon sensibilities and parodical nature, and the simplistic design is versatile. So versatile, in fact, that I decided to make a T-shirt with the design in the same manner as the T-shirt with the TLWGT design, including piggybacking on or with a friend - make that two - who wanted custom T-shirts of different designs not necessarily related to Pokémon. Our shirts shipped the other day, and I've picked mine up so I can then write about it on this blog.

Not much else needs to be said about the T-shirt. The core part of the wallpaper fits nicely as the front of the T-shirt, while like the previous design, I opted for the Pokémon logo on the back (not shown here). The Pokémon logo certainly had to be in black and white to match the monochrome design, which fortunately I had prepared for a possible use, and now it was time to use it. My friends and I submitted the chosen or requested T-shirt designs in a single order, and the rest was as above.

The print shop and therefore the T-shirt maker is the same as the previous shirt, but this T-shirt differs in a number of ways. For one, this is not what is called a "full-print" T-shirt; the design fits into a more restricted printing space and I opted for that. For two, the T-shirt material is different, being cotton instead of a choice between two synthetic fabrics, which applied to the earlier T-shirt. Even so, I could have opted for the synthetic fabrics... but that would have also meant opting for a "full-print" T-shirt regardless, which I did not desire for various reasons. The result is the above T-shirt, which I consider to be just fine.

Altogether, this shirt turned out just great. It is an affirmation of a few things: one, of my capability in creating simple yet effective designs that can apply in many places; two, of the T-shirt maker and printer in creating T-shirts that satisfy the demands of customers; and three, of how influential Pokémon has become at least in the realm of my life and beyond. It's true that I don't necessarily need a T-shirt in order to affirm and exemplify any of those things, but it's still a great reward for those processes.

One year ago: Glyphs of Pokémon?

Two years ago: Playing Pokémon All Day

Three years ago: Getting Lucky with Friends

Four years ago: A Place for VGC

Five years ago: Blue and Yellow Philosophy

The Wish for (and Caveats of) Time Travel

A slightly disconcerting problem related to time has dawned on me, though the solution is simple, effective, and pretty much obviates the problem completely. All the same, the problem does make me desire to travel through time to see where I messed up. Time travel, in relation to Pokémon, is of course the domain of the Mythical Pokémon of Celebi, as well as its most well-known capability. Yet it seems that even with the desire, time travel with Celebi is likely to come with some caveats, especially regarding its execution.

One caveat would naturally concern whose time travel wishes would be granted. As a strong-willed Trainer, I believe that if I have such a wish as above, is likely to be granted by Celebi. Professor Willow has also been known once to desire time travel himself, and that too is likely to be granted. However, for those who are the likes of the Iron Masked Marauder, their wishes will certainly not be granted. It becomes clear that even Celebi will have to be selective in granting desires, and that's an important caveat.

Should the wishes be granted, the next caveats concern the way ("how") they would be granted. Something that may be particularly important here is the shrine in the forest - not necessarily that of the traditional Ilex Forest, but wherever there is a similarly designed shrine. Regardless of the particulars, the granting of the wish most likely will have to take place around and involve said shrine, and therefore not just wherever else, even if Celebi is not technically bound by the shrine. The travel can be physical, as evidenced in the feature film, but it could very well be superficial in the case of certain desires. These caveats directly affect the initiation of the travel.

The resulting time travel is likely to have caveats as well. For backward travel, the travel may only involve a revisit without integration and is thus only superficial, in line with certain philosophies on time travel in general. For forward travel, what applies in the feature film will likely be able and continue to apply, though other restrictive possibilities might arise, given that the instance in the movie may essentially be regarded as an emergency more than anything else. The time traveler and Celebi would have to cooperate and collaborate in the face of these caveats.

Even if I or anyone else were to travel through time with Celebi in tow, it is likely that restrictions and therefore caveats are in place and would have to be faced. Of course, that doesn't mean that time travel is impossible; it's entirely possible in the Pokémon world with Celebi, but it's likely to be limited in both general and specific ways. Regardless, it may just be the desire that I have, in light of the disconcerting problem as above, in the hope that at the least I can preview the worse past in order to conceive a better future.

One year ago: The Lengths We Go To... T-Shirt

Two years ago: Pokémon Stickers on WhatsApp

Three years ago: Looking from Far Away

Four years ago: (High Noon at the) Local Ex-Raid, 5/8/2018

Five years ago: Ash and Pikachu Keychain